500 km and 29 towns over 2 German Ländern. Taking a bike trip along Germany’s Romantic Road is a great way to discover Germany’s medieval history as well as both Franconian and Bavarian culture.
Are you wondering what the highlights are? How to get to the starting point? How long to go? To help you plan your adventure on Germany’s most famous tourist route, here are the answers to 7 frequently asked questions.
1) How do I get to the starting point without flying or driving?
If, like me, you are bringing your own bike, keep in mind that you cannot transport an unassembled bike on high-speed cross-border trains. For example, you can’t book a bike space on the ICE (German fast trains) or TGV (French fast trains) between France and Germany.
To get to Würzburg, you can cross the border by cycling. For instance, if you come from France, ride from Strassburg to Offenburg. The two cities are 24 km apart, which you can cover on a bike path surrounded by nature.
German fast and or regional trains will take you to your final destination. You can transport an undismantled bike on these trains.
Another option is to travel with Flixbus. Some buses are equipped with bike racks at the rear.
2) What are the main cultural heritage sites and highlights?
There are many monuments and places worth a visit. Among them are:
- Würzburg: the starting point of the route, Würzburg is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Residence of the Prince-Bishops. This majestic building surprises visitors with its richly decorated rooms and sublime gardens. The city is dominated by a citadel, from which you can enjoy breathtaking views. Another site of interest is the old bridge over the Main River, where you can enjoy a glass of local white wine, just like the locals.
- Dinkelsbühl: one of the many medieval villages along the route. When you enter the old gate, you will discover a long street lined with beautiful half-timbered houses. Some of them are restaurants and cafés. Their terraces offer a beautiful view of the church and old buildings. All these well-preserved buildings create a timeless atmosphere.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber: a fortified town fulled of tourists. Several information panels allow you to learn about the history of the village, which seems to have come straight out of a fairy tale. There are many medieval towers and houses to admire, as well as Renaissance buildings.
- Harburg: a village bathed by the Lech River, where you can swim. A beautiful castle is located on the heights.
- Augsburg: a city with a rich history and a charming historic center. Its distinctive feature is its many Catholic and Protestant churches.
- Landsberg am Lech: the gateway to the Bavarian Prealps is a quiet village.
- Neuschwanstein Castle: from the popular Marienbrücke bridge, you can admire a sublime view of Ludwig II of Bavaria’s jewel, nestled on the mountainside. It inspired Walt Disney to create his logo. In my opinion, a guided tour of the interior of the building is worth it. If you do this activity, book your ticket in advance.
In my opinion, Bavaria’s culinary heritage is another highlight of a bike tour on the Romantic Road. Regional specialties include spätzle (traditional pasta), leberkäse, schweinshaxe, knödel, and, of course, sausages. Keep also in mind that the route takes you from the wine-growing region of Franconia to an area which is world famous for its beers.
Biergarten are the ideal place to discover while recharging your batteries in a green setting. The food is unpretentious.
Here are some restaurants I can recommend:
- The Rössle Biergarten an der Stadmauer in Schongau: a terrace shaded by chestnut trees, nestled against the wall that surrounds the small town. The owner is welcoming and the food is excellent.
- The Schweizerhof, near Donauworth: this beer garden, located on the Romantic Road, is a warm and authentic place.
- Altstadtgasthaus Bauerntanz: this is said to be the oldest restaurant in Augsburg. It’s not a beer garden, but I enjoyed drinking my beer on the terrace, which overlooks a lively square in the historic center.
3) How long does it take?
This 500 km bike tour in Germany passes through a dozen towns and villages rich in historical heritage. To visit several of them without rushing, I planned 6 days, averaging 85 km per day. This was the ideal length, as it allowed enough time to spend half a day in Würzburg, Augsburg, and Neuschwanstein Castle. What’s more, I was able to stop for coffee in the morning and sometimes eat in restaurants.
Are you also interested in cultural or historical attractions? Allow more time than you think you’ll need, as there are many opportunities to discover the region’s heritage.
4) Which bike to choose?
The inclines in the Franconian valleys and then in the Prealps are moderate. Plus, the route does not take you along any dirt roads. Therefore, there is no need to choose a light, sporty bike. Touring bikes are suitable, but you can also choose a gravel bike or a road bike.
5) How much water and food should I take with me?
It’s easy to stock up on supplies as the route passes through many towns where you can find a supermarket, restaurant, or café. Moreover, cyclists traveling along Germany’s Romantic Road will discover many apple and mulberry trees, providing a welcome and free snack.
As for water, the vast majority of public fountains don’t provide drinking water (“Kein Trinkwasser”). I recommend filling up in the restrooms of restaurants or cafés. I also brought two 0.75-liter water bottles. If you are camping, this is the minimum amount.
6) Is the bike route along Germany’s Romantic Road well marked?
The Romantic Road can be traveled by bike, on foot, or by car. The signs marking the route differ depending on the mode of transportation, as the itineraries are not the same:
- Bicycle : green signs and bicycle symbols
- Foot : black signs
- Car : large brown boards
There are lots of signs along the route. In spite of this, I took the walking path several times because I missed the bike signs. To find the right route after getting lost, I recommend using a tracking app such as Komoot, even though you will rarely need it.
7) Where to stay during a cycling trip on Germany’s Romantic Road?
There are numerous inns and hotels with Bavarian charm in the towns along the route. There are also camping opportunities without straying too far from the Romantic Road.
As a general rule, wild camping is not permitted in Germany, especially in forests. I found it very easy to find quiet, comfortable, and beautiful places to sleep in a tent, near the Romantic Road. When it’s possible, the best thing to do is ask the landowner for permission.
Have you ever cycled along the Romantic Road? What did you think of it? Do you have any other tips to share? Tell me in the comments!
